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Tuesday, January 26, 2016

For the Month of the Holy Family

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth, a fitting example for all families today. Saint John Paul II spoke on families, saying,

“To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others... ."

The Holy Family lived in this way, serving one another in virtue and truly following God' Will in all things. Families today are called to this life: a life of charity, humility, obedience, patience, and simplicity, among numerous other virtues. As St. John Paul II stated, each member of the family is called to help the other members through loving service, which includes service in daily tasks, but most importantly service in the spiritual life. Too often the cares of the world overshadow this special call from God, the call to help our family members truly follow God's Will and attain our heavenly goal.

During the month of February, may we remember to ask for the intercession of the Holy Family of Nazareth for our own families and families throughout the world. May we look toward them, seeing in them an example to imitate to help our own family grow in holiness. May we also strive to be that example to the world of God's love within the family through faithfulness to God and cheerful kindness to all we meet.

The following beautiful prayer is a fitting one to say during this month of the Holy Family; through it we ask Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to intercede for our family and help us grow in the virtues that illuminated their daily lives and work.

Prayer to the Holy Family

O most loving Jesus, Who by Thy sublime and beautiful virtues of humility, obedience, poverty, modesty, charity, patience and gentleness, and by the example of Thy domestic life, didst bless with peace and happiness the family Thou didst choose on earth, in Thy clemency look down upon this household, humbly prostrate before Thee and imploring Thy mercy. Remember that this family belongs to Thee; for to Thee we have in a special way dedicated and devoted ourselves. Look upon us in Thy loving kindness; preserve us from danger; give us help in time of need, and grant us the grace to persevere to the end in the imitation of Thy Holy Family; that having revered Thee and loved Thee faithfully on earth, we may bless and praise Thee eternally in heaven.

O Mary, most sweet Mother, to thy intercession we have recourse, knowing that thy Divine Son will hear thy prayers.

And do thou, O glorious Patriarch, St. Joseph, assist us by thy powerful mediation, and offer, by the hands of Mary, our prayers to Jesus. Amen.--Prayer Book for Religious by Fr. Lasance

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"Nothing truly can be more salutary or efficacious for Christian families to meditate upon than the example of this Holy Family, which embraces the perfection and completeness of all domestic virtues."--Pope Leo XIII